Muslim World League welcomes second phase of Gaza peace plan

A displaced Palestinian mother plays with her child outside her tent shelter erected close to the rubble and debris of homes and businesses destroyed by the Israeli military in over two years of military strikes on the Gaza Strip enclave, in the Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip on January 17, 2026. (AFP)
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Updated 18 January 2026
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Muslim World League welcomes second phase of Gaza peace plan

  • Plan includes US-led oversight board, key role for ex-UK PM Tony Blair
  • Aim is to restore governance, promote economic development in Palestinian enclave

LONDON: The Muslim World League on Saturday welcomed the announcement of the start of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, including the declaration of a Peace Council and the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

The MWL praised efforts to end the war in Gaza and advance stability and peace in the Palestinian territories.

The organization commended Trump’s efforts, citing his commitment to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and his pledge to prevent the annexation of any part of the occupied West Bank.

MWL Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Issa stressed the urgent need for full adherence to the requirements of the second phase of the peace plan, and called for a serious and firm response to any violations.

Al-Issa also highlighted the importance of ensuring sufficient access for humanitarian aid to Gaza and supporting the return of the Palestinian Authority to its responsibilities in the territory.

He said these efforts are essential to ending cycles of violence and conflict, and to establishing a lasting, comprehensive and just peace in line with international resolutions.

The second phase of the peace plan builds on an initial ceasefire, and includes the establishment of a US-led board to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was given a key role on Friday, while a US officer has been appointed to lead a nascent security force.

The announcement follows a meeting in Cairo of a Palestinian committee of technocrats tasked with governing Gaza, which was attended by Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior adviser on the Middle East.

The plan is also intended to promote economic development in Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage during more than two years of Israeli bombardment.


Syrian authorities bust smuggling ring, tighten border controls

Updated 08 February 2026
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Syrian authorities bust smuggling ring, tighten border controls

  • Smugglers' boat collides with rocks as it attempted to flee pursuing as Coast Guard vessels 
  • The boat was about to illegally transport passengers from the Syrian coast of Tartus coast to Cyprus

DAMASCUS: Syrian Coast Guard forces have arrested members of a human smuggling network operating in the western town of Tartus, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported Saturday.

Authorities pounced on the smugglers as they were about to transport passengers from the Tartus coast to Cyprus by illegal means, the state media said, citing a statement from the General Authority of Ports and Customs. 

"The operation resulted in the arrest of all those involved, including the organizers of the trip," said the report, adding that the smugglers' boat attempted to escape as Coast Guard vessels surrounded it, but collided with rocks. 

No details were made available on how many suspects were arrested and how many passengers were rescued. Criminal charges are being prepared against the arrested suspects, SANA said.

Headquarters of the Syrian General Authority of Ports and Customs in Damascus. (SANA photo) 

New restrictions on commercial transit

In a separate move to regulate trade and border security, the ports and customs authority has issued a new policy restricting truck access at land crossings and seaports.

Commercial trucks will now only be permitted entry for loading or unloading upon presentation of an original receipt from the Ministry of Transport’s freight office.

The transfer of cargo between Syrian and non-Syrian vehicles must now take place strictly within designated customs yards at border crossings.

Trucks passing through Syria in transit remain permitted, provided they are under a mandatory customs escort between entry and exit points.